ATLANTA – September 29, 2011 – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) is kicking off its inaugural BCBSGa Kid’s Wheel & Run event at Piedmont Park on Oct. 22, 2011. Rain or shine, families will experience a day of discovery, fitness and fun with something to offer kids of all skill levels and ages, including children in strollers and wheelchairs. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and Strong4Life at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, two organizations that also share the common goal of creating healthier generations of Georgians.

The day’s events include a 5K Family Fun Run-Walk-Wheel, the Kids’ One-Miler Race (12 and under), and the Determination Dashes & Obstacle Challenge Course (six and under). Guests can also embark on a quest for wellness through “Healthyville”, the event expo filled with exploration, give-a-ways and activities. Radio Disney’s Discovery Stage will keep attendees entertained with their fun tunes and “Shake it Up! Dance Party, as well as hula-hoop and jump rope contests.

“The BCBSGa Kids' Wheel and Run event aims to support the fight against childhood obesity by engaging Atlanta’s children and families in a day of fun activities, health and wellness education, and fitness – showing how being active, eating healthily and getting fit can be fun,” said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGa. “Piedmont Park is the perfect outdoor venue, and we couldn’t think of two better beneficiaries than Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. This event further reinforces our mission of improving the lives of those we serve and the health of our communities.”

According to a State Health Facts report, Georgia’s childhood and adolescent obesity rate in 2007 was at 37.3 percent, and it has been increasing each year – Georgia has the second highest rate of childhood obesity in the country.

“Childhood obesity in Georgia is a medical crisis, and nearly 40 percent of Georgia children are overweight or obese,” said Lucy Klausner, Director, Development and Strategic Partnerships Child Wellness, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “We applaud Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s work on the Kids’ Wheel & Run event. One of our goals is to help Georgia kids and families take simple steps to become more active and adopt healthy habits. The Kids’ Wheel & Run aims to do the same, and we are excited to be a part of the event.”

“Our Club kids understand the importance of exercising their mind, body and soul,” said Catherine Bass, Director of strategic development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “BCBSGa is a supporter of our Triple Play programs, and this event dovetails nicely into what we aim to accomplish in our clubs. In fact, we are bringing 100 of our Club members out to the event, who are looking forward to participating in the day’s races and activities.”

Organizers anticipate 2,500 event attendees with 500 registered race participants at the 2011 inaugural event at Piedmont Park. Registration for the event is free and open to the public at www.kidswheelandrun.com/bcbsga. Registration is required in order to participate and to reserve your t-shirt and give-a-ways, and hold your spot in the day’s event, and in lieu of a race participation fee, donations to the event beneficiaries will be accepted. The BCBSGa Kids’ Wheel & Run event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Piedmont Park, with packet pick-up and day-of registration starting at 8 a.m. Race events will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., and the “Healthyville” expo-activities, contests, games and entertainment occurring from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additional race specifics (time, course, etc.), directions and parking information can be found at www.kidswheelandrun.com/bcbsga.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of GeorgiaBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association®. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinInBCBSGa, visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin or check out the Our Health Connects Us campaign site at http://connects.bcbsga.com/.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro AtlantaBoys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to provide a quality developmental program that empowers metro Atlanta youth, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to become productive adults. Through 26 Clubs in 11 metro counties, trained and professional staff serves more than 5,000 disadvantaged youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also has Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp, and the Youth Art Connection (YAC), a gallery and workspace for young artists. In order to effectively serve those who need us most, BGCMA asks families to pay annual membership dues of only $35 per child and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.

About Children’s Healthcare of AtlantaChildren’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 17 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 30 pediatric specialties and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S.News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit www.choa.org for more information. For more information on Strong4Life, visit www.choa.org/wellness.